Walking in the dark, alone, I was soon caught up with by a British guy, French woman and Italian guy. We had our first and second breakfasts together. While chatting with the Brit was pretty interesting, the French gal was clearly done with company in general and the Italien was... Moody? Mr UK informed me that he was like a Ferrari in the morning. Starts off fast then breaks down!
After the first 10km, there is a big, steep uphill. I motored up and it reminded me of home. At the top is a view worth paying for. I shared it with no less than 70 South Koreans! They had gotten out of the bus at the bottom and were on their hike portion of the tour. I realized I was being followed by a drone when I heard the familiar DJI buzzing!
At the bottom of said hill, I discovered my Pilgrim credentials were missing... left in the bathroom at the last breakfast stop. 😣
That little plastic bag contained the document that had been stamped every day since I began. It was irreplaceable. And I was so annoyed with myself for putting it down and forgetting it.
Then I had an idea. The Camino tends to be filled with miracles so I texted Marcello. I knew he was just hours behind me and hoped he might soon pass through that village and be able to ask at the cafe if anyone had turned it in. It worked. In a matter of hours, Marcello had found out that my credentials had been taken to the police station. He waited there for 2 hours until it reopened (siesta) and convinced them to release it to him! In a day or two he expected to catch up with me and in the meantime, he was going to follow behind and stamp it, like I would have done. This guy couldn't be any nicer and once again the Camino was exceeding expectations.
I walled on, a little lighter, despite growing foot pain. Today I planned to walk 37km.
After the first 10km, there is a big, steep uphill. I motored up and it reminded me of home. At the top is a view worth paying for. I shared it with no less than 70 South Koreans! They had gotten out of the bus at the bottom and were on their hike portion of the tour. I realized I was being followed by a drone when I heard the familiar DJI buzzing!
At the bottom of said hill, I discovered my Pilgrim credentials were missing... left in the bathroom at the last breakfast stop. 😣
That little plastic bag contained the document that had been stamped every day since I began. It was irreplaceable. And I was so annoyed with myself for putting it down and forgetting it.
Then I had an idea. The Camino tends to be filled with miracles so I texted Marcello. I knew he was just hours behind me and hoped he might soon pass through that village and be able to ask at the cafe if anyone had turned it in. It worked. In a matter of hours, Marcello had found out that my credentials had been taken to the police station. He waited there for 2 hours until it reopened (siesta) and convinced them to release it to him! In a day or two he expected to catch up with me and in the meantime, he was going to follow behind and stamp it, like I would have done. This guy couldn't be any nicer and once again the Camino was exceeding expectations.
I walled on, a little lighter, despite growing foot pain. Today I planned to walk 37km.
Super gorgeous afternoon. My route followed endless golden fields and then along a canal on its way to Fròmista. I arrived at the albergue exhausted, living and grateful. Then had the good fortune to meet a Dutch couple... who were privy to this "self" foot massager at the albergue! Heaven.
2 comments:
On the edge of my seat waiting to hear if you got your credentials back!
thanks for taking us on the Meseta with you! <3
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